Here’s a classic, hearty beef stew recipe—perfect for warming up on a chilly day. It’s rich, tender, and full of vegetables and savory flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional, can substitute more broth)
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup frozen peas (added near the end)
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
Toss beef cubes in flour, shaking off excess. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef on all sides, then remove and set aside. - Sauté aromatics:
In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and slightly softened (~3–4 min). - Deglaze the pot:
Add red wine (or a splash of broth) to scrape up browned bits from the bottom—this adds extra flavor. - Add liquid and seasonings:
Return beef to the pot. Pour in beef broth, add thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 1.5–2 hours, until beef is tender. - Add vegetables:
Add carrots, potatoes, and celery. Simmer uncovered 30–40 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes if desired. - Adjust seasoning & serve:
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves and serve hot—perfect with crusty bread or over rice.
Tips & Variations
- Slow cooker: Brown beef first, then layer all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low 6–8 hours.
- Thicker stew: Mix 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch with cold water and stir in near the end to thicken.
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or balsamic vinegar for depth.
This classic beef stew is comforting, filling, and easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
I can also give a quick weeknight version that’s done in under an hour using a pressure cooker—would you like me to do that?
